The effect of nitrogen pellet fertilizer on the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in corn (Zea mays L.), S.C 704

A field study was conducted at Aboureihan research field of Tehran University in 2009 to find out the effect of nitrogen pellet fertilizer on the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of corn (Single Cross 704). The factorial design of the study comprised of randomized complete block with three replications. Factors of this experiment including: first factor was two levels of fertilizer application method (pellet and mixed with soil) and second factor was four levels of nitrogen fertilizer pulse manure (46+600, 92+600, 138+600 and 184+600 kg/ha). In this research, a screw extruder setup was designed and manufactured. Increasing N fertilizer from 46 to 184 kg/ha had significant effect on all yield and yield components traits except number of seed rows per ear. Maximum grain yield was obtained with pellet and 184 N kg/ha treatment. Statistical analysis indicated that NUE, as well as agronomic efficiency (AE) were reduced while physiological efficiency (PE) increased with increasing N (pellet) rates.